SUBJECT: No Waste Management collections for most Seattle customers today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
7/31/2012 7:00:00 AM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
SPU Customer Service (206) 684-3000

No Waste Management collections for most Seattle customers todayWednesday customers should put garbage, yard waste and recycling out before 7 a.m.

SEATTLE — The strike by Teamsters Union drivers continues, and Waste Management will not be collecting garbage, recycling and food and yard waste today. CleanScapes customers will have their materials picked up as usual.

Tuesday customers should put out their recycling, garbage and food and yard waste carts next Tuesday, Aug. 7. Customers will not be charged extra for any additional items placed at the curb.

Wednesday Waste Management customers should still put their garbage, yard waste and recycling out before 7 a.m. Carts should be left out until 6 p.m. Thursday night.

The strike is affecting about 60 percent of the city, in Northwest and South Seattle. Teamsters Local 117’s contract with Waste Management expired May 31 and union drivers went on strike last Wednesday, July 25. Teamsters 174 garbage and yard drivers have been honoring the Local 117 picket lines.

Collections by CleanScapes, which covers about 40 percent of the city are not impacted by the strike.

SPU continues to urge Waste Management and the Teamsters to engage in good faith negotiations toward a speedy and successful outcome.

Under its contract with the city, Waste Management is required to continue services in the event of any disruption. Specifically, any missed collections due to any labor complications must be collected later in the week, or the following week. Waste Management will not be paid for any non-service.

The contract allows the city to deduct approximately $15,000 to $20,000 per day in payments to Waste Management for any services that are not completed the next day. For any interruptions that continue more than a week, contractors can also be fined substantially for service failure, up to $1.25 million per day.

Protecting public health and safety continues to be the city’s top priority throughout this collection disruption.

SPU will provide updates as needed. Customers with solid waste service issues or concerns may call the Call Center at (206) 684-3000.

Customers with labor/union questions or concerns should contact Waste Management or Teamsters Local 117.

In addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the City's infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.